July 16, 2015 – Toronto, ON – Department of Justice.
Today, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Peter MacKay announced funding of approximately $450,000 over two years for the Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre so it can continue to provide services in Toronto for children and youth who are victims of and/or witnesses to violence and to develop and deliver training for professionals from child advocacy centres across Canada.
Minister MacKay was also pleased to highlight the coming into force of Bill C-26, the Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act, on July 17th -- new legislation that will better protect children from a range of sexual offences and put an end to sentencing discounts for child sex offenders who commit crimes against multiple children.
Child advocacy centres (CACs) and child and youth advocacy centres (CYACs) help child and youth victims and their families navigate the criminal justice system. They provide a safe child- and youth-friendly environment where a coordinated team of professionals works to meet the specific needs of each person. The work of a multidisciplinary team in a CAC or a CYAC can greatly reduce the emotional and mental harm to child and youth victims involved in the criminal justice system.
In Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government committed to provide additional funding to CACs and CYACs. Starting in 2016-17, the Government will provide $5.25 million over four years, and $2.1 million on an annual basis thereafter, to make the support and services provided by CACs and CYACs more accessible in communities across the country.
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